Assemblywoman Schimel’s Bill Derailed by Accused NRA Spy

August 12, 2008

“I am saddened and disheartened to learn that longtime gun violence prevention activist Mary McFate is a paid spy for the gun lobby,” stated Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, a board member of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.

An investigative article published online on the Mother Jones website reported that Ms. McFate, earned a position of trust among the members of various gun violence organizations, all the while infiltrating and gaining access to legislative goals and strategies of these groups which she passed onto to the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Ms. McFate recently contacted gun control advocates seeking detailed information about microstamping technology pretending that she wanted to be helpful.

This past June, Assemblyman Michelle Schimel held a live fire demonstration at the New York State Police Academy Firing Range in Albany, which was disrupted by Gregory Kosta, NRA lobbyist and Jake McGuigan, Director of Government Relations for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

“I have little doubt that she has been part of an effort to derail my microstamping legislation (A.9819A). I am shocked but not surprised by the tactics of the gun lobby. I know from personal experience that they have little regard for ethical protocol, but I didn’t think they were capable of outright fraud,” said Assemblywoman Schimel.

Ms. Schimel has asked the Attorney General’s Office to investigate the NRA, a not-for-profit organization on the matter of spying on another not-for-profit.

“I know that corporate spying is illegal. I certainly hope not-for-profit spying and defrauding is illegal as well. If not, then I think I just came up with a new bill for the New York State Legislature.”